Themba Zwane follows neighbour Jerry Sikhosana’s finest moment in Abidjan

Sikhosana is fondly remembered for his historic goal at the old Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in 1995 when he helped the Buccaneers to their prized maiden CAF Champions League crown.

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Zwane, who hails from the same street as “Legs of Thunder” in Khalambazo, Tembisa in Ekurhuleni and grew up as a “son” to the former striker by virtue of being best friends with his son, saw the work of the football gods when he scored against the Elephants in Abidjan.

The Mamelodi Sundowns captain’s celebration after scoring with a neat finish off Teboho Mokoena’s perfect assist in the ninth minute was a salute, paying homage to Sikhosana.

This was his seventh goal in his 25th international appearance – nine years since he made his debut at senior level.

Speaking to SABC Sport in the mixed zone after the match, Zwane reflected on how his goal came about but also the joy behind his celebration.

“I was very happy man. Happy for myself because it’s been a while since I last scored for the national team. I was just looking forward to scoring another goal,” he highlighted.

“I think the plan went according to how we wanted it – we tried to contain them and whenever they tried to play the through passes, we cut them out and went on the counter.

“I think we created many chances, and we should have taken them and settled the game as early as possible, but I think, as a team, we did well.”

Against a star-studded Elephants team filled with players from the English Premier League, Spanish La Liga, French Ligue 1, Bundesliga, as well as stars in the new Saudi Pro League, a Bafana line-up consisting mostly of local talent held their own.

Coach Hugo Broos’ starting XI was made up of six players from Sundowns, who have been the torch bearers for South African football on the international stage for some time now, while Siyanda Xulu from SuperSport United along with four playing in either Europe or in the Major League Soccer (MLS) in the US.

Zwane, 34, admits this is proof that locally based players can also compete at international level.

“Ja, definitely, we showed our quality, we showed bravery. We were brave on the ball, and we did well as a team. We understand each other and, personally, I’m happy with the team,” concluded the much-loved ‘Mshishi’.